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  • reserves
  1. What we do
  2. Conservation
  3. Our reserves

Our reserves

The jewels in our crown, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation owns, leases or formally manages over 80 reserves covering more than 1500 ha (3800 acres) with a variety of different habitats, from coastal dunes to clay pits; woodland to heathland.

This land holding makes us one of the UK's leading managers of lowland dry heathland. By working in close co-operation with private landowners, local authorities and other NGOs, we are proud to protect some of Britain’s most precious habitat, saving some of our rarest native species of flora and fauna.

We have a dedicated field team dedicated to looking after these important places, and we work hard to ensure that all our reserves stay in tip top condition. The practical work involves the removal of trees and scrub; the control of bracken and other invasive plant species; the creation of basking sites for reptiles; and heather and gorse management to provide suitable vegetative structure to maintain the unique heathland fauna. This is carried out by our own team of specialist conservation field workers, working alongside our ever-growing list of enthusiastic volunteers.

And it’s not just amphibians and reptiles. We take into account the needs of all flora and fauna, and work to a holistic management plan, to benefit everyone - however big, or small: from Dartford warblers, to ladybird spiders.  

And we need your help to do this! Without the generous support of our ARC Members and volunteers, we could not undertake this essential work, to save some of our most vulnerable native species, and ensure a future for all.

When planning to visit one of our reserves please take a minute to have a look at Visitor Safety on Reserves

Blackheath

Blackheath

As well as being an important site for reptiles, several heathland specialist invertebrate species are found on the site. Read more

Published: 14th January, 2018

Updated: 6th May, 2021

Author: Kim Boughey

Location: Littleford Lane, GU4 8QZ

Broxhead Common

Broxhead Common

A rich mosaic of heathland, acid grassland and secondary woodland, which supports sand lizards, rare heathland birds, and nationally rare invertebrate species. Read more

Published: 13th January, 2018

Updated: 30th April, 2021

Author: Kim Boughey

Canford Cliffs

Canford Cliffs

Canford Cliffs a small reserve in a stunning coastal location, with the wall lizard being a very prominent species. Read more

Published: 12th January, 2018

Updated: 27th July, 2021

Author: Abby Louis

Chatley Heath

Chatley Heath

Nestled within the Thames Basin Heaths SPA, Chatley Heath is an internationally important area for birds, and provides a haven for our native reptiles, which can also now expand into the newly restored adjacent heathland at Ockham Common. Read more

Published: 11th January, 2018

Updated: 30th April, 2021

Author: Kim Boughey

Churt Valley and Plateau

Churt Valley and Plateau

Part of a landscape network of connected sites managed by organisations including Waverley Council and the National Trust this site supports all six native reptile species after successful reintroductions of sand lizards and smooth snakes. Read more

Published: 10th January, 2018

Updated: 30th April, 2021

Author: Kim Boughey

Clouds Hill

Clouds Hill

Clouds Hill, located within the Bovington tank training area has now become the ideal environment for sand lizard breeding. Read more

Published: 9th January, 2018

Updated: 30th April, 2021

Author: Abby Louis

Corfe Bluff

Corfe Bluff

Corfe Bluff is a small piece of heath hidden away in the beautiful surroundings of the Purbecks. Read more

Published: 8th January, 2018

Updated: 7th May, 2021

Author: Abby Louis

Corfe Hills East

Corfe Hills East

Corfe Hills East is a small block of heath located to the north Poole with a mix of dry heath and Molinia grassland. Read more

Published: 7th January, 2018

Updated: 7th May, 2021

Author: Abby Louis

Cranes Moor Bog

Cranes Moor Bog

Cranes Moor Bog is a medium sized site, unique amongst ARC’s reserves. Read more

Published: 6th January, 2018

Updated: 7th May, 2021

Author: Abby Louis

Creech Heath

Creech Heath

An excellent large piece of heath located in a stunning surrounding over looked by the Purbeck Ridge. A great place to visit to find some truly rare heathland species. Read more

Published: 5th January, 2018

Updated: 23rd March, 2022

Author: Abby Louis

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Showing 10 of 41

Latest

  • Record-breaking New Forest frog spawn sighting added to national survey

    Record-breaking New Forest frog spawn sighting added to national survey

    ARC's Senior Ecologist Paul Edgar spotted record breaking spawn in the New Forest, creating the earliest record of spawn in Hampshire.

  • ARC Reptile Survey Training Event (classroom) - Friday 31st March 2023

    ARC Reptile Survey Training Event (classroom) - Friday 31st March 2023

    This free classroom training event is an introduction to reptile ecology and survey skills useful for observing reptiles in the UK, with a special emphasis on ARC’s flagship Snakes in the Heather project.

  • ARC Reptile Survey Training Event (classroom) - Friday 17th March 2023

    ARC Reptile Survey Training Event (classroom) - Friday 17th March 2023

    This free classroom training event is an introduction to reptile ecology and survey skills useful for observing reptiles in the UK, with a special emphasis on ARC’s flagship Snakes in the Heather project.

  • I've found an animal in my house

    I've found an animal in my house

    ARC's guide on what to do when you find an amphibian or reptile in your house.

Most read

  • Facts and advice on adder bites

    Facts and advice on adder bites

    Facts about adder bites and answers to frequently asked questions about prevention and treatment. This text is based on ARC’s research and experience, published evidence, and authoritative sources.

  • Slow-worm

    Slow-worm

    Where to find slow-worms (legless lizard), how to identify them, their lifecycle and protection status.

  • Adder

    Adder

    where to find adders, how to identify them, their lifecycle and protection status.

  • Vacancies

    Vacancies

    Come and work for us! See our current vacancies.

  • Smooth newt

    Smooth newt

    Where to find the smooth newt, how to identify them, their lifecycle and protection status.

  • Frogs & toads FAQs

    Frogs & toads FAQs

    Frequently Asked Questions about... frogs and toads!

  • Common lizard

    Common lizard

    Where to find common lizards, how to identify them, their lifecycle and protection status.

  • Report your sightings!

    Report your sightings!

    Let us know which amphibians and reptiles you've seen

  • Grass snake

    Grass snake

    Where to find grass snakes, how to identify them, their lifecycle and protection status.

  • newts FAQs

    newts FAQs

    Answers to some frequently asked questions about... newts!

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ARC eNews

ARC eNews

Sign up and receive our e-Newsletter Read more

Published: 27th April, 2017

Updated: 18th November, 2021

Author: Kim Boughey

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Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
744 Christchurch Road
Boscombe
Bournemouth
Dorset BH7 6BZ

ARC Ecological Services Ltd
744 Christchurch Road
Boscombe
Bournemouth
Dorset BH7 6BZ

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The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust is a registered charity (England & Wales no. 1130188, Scotland no.SC044097).
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